Seeking advice on computer processors.
Started By
I'm looking in to upgrading my ancient, bargain priced laptop, specifically in the RAM and processor areas. I can handle the RAM on my own, however, processors are a bit more alien to me. I'd appreciate any/all tips, advice, and pointers for finding and installing a better processor. My computer is an acer aspire 5315, and I am dual booting windows vista, and ubuntu release 11.04, I will share more detailed specs, once I find them all. XD

Edit: Heres some specifictations I found with the 'sudo lshw' command, in the ubuntu terminal (I've removed some information.):


description: Computer
product: Aspire 5315 (None)
vendor: Acer
version: V1.34
width: 64 bits
capabilities: smbios-2.4 dmi-2.4 vsyscall64 vsyscall32
*-core
description: Motherboard
product: Acadia
vendor: Acer
physical id: 0
version: V1.34
serial: Base Board Serial Number
slot: Base Board Chassis Location
*-firmware
description: BIOS
vendor: Acer
physical id: 0
version: V1.34
date: 03/26/2008
size: 1MiB
capabilities: pci upgrade shadowing cdboot bootselect socketedrom edd int13floppynec int13floppytoshiba int13floppy360 int13floppy1200 int13floppy720 int13floppy2880 int9keyboard int10video acpi usb
*-memory
description: System Memory
physical id: 18
slot: System board or motherboard
size: 1GiB
capacity: 2GiB
*-bank:0
description: DIMM DDR2 Synchronous 533 MHz (1.9 ns)
product: M4 70T2864DZ3-CE6
vendor: Samsung
physical id: 0
slot: DIMM0
size: 1GiB
width: 64 bits
clock: 533MHz (1.9ns)
*-bank:1
description: DIMM DDR2 [empty]
product: NO DIMM
vendor: NO DIMM
physical id: 1
serial: NO DIMM
slot: DIMM2
*-cpu
description: CPU
product: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 560 @ 2.13GHz
vendor: Intel Corp.
physical id: 1f
bus info: cpu@0
version: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 560 @ 2.13GHz
serial: NotSupport
slot: uPGA-478
size: 2133MHz
capacity: 2133MHz
width: 64 bits
clock: 133MHz
capabilities: fpu fpu_exception wp vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss tm pbe syscall nx x86-64 constant_tsc up arch_perfmon pebs bts rep_good nopl aperfmperf pni dtes64 monitor ds_cpl tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm lahf_lm
*-cache:0
description: L2 cache
physical id: 20
slot: L2 Cache
size: 1MiB
capacity: 1MiB
capabilities: asynchronous internal write-back unified
*-cache:1
description: L1 cache
physical id: 22
slot: L1 Cache
size: 32KiB
capacity: 32KiB
capabilities: asynchronous internal write-back data
*-cache
description: L1 cache
physical id: 21
slot: L1 Cache
size: 32KiB
capacity: 32KiB
capabilities: asynchronous internal write-back instruction

11-4-2011 at 7:33 PM
Inno, thank you! ^^ any and all information helps, and yes, I know my Ram limit. <3

11-4-2011 at 7:31 PM
It depends on a few things, I'm very vague in knowledge involving Processors and their requirements for certain computers.<br /> <br /> But I know the RAM types matter and it seems that your computer can only support up to 2 GB of RAM no matter what you do (unless you have a machine that you can get to take 3GB, it's been done). According to several places, if you haven't altered the machine already, you have "1GB (512/512) DDR2 667 SDRAM". I found someone that listed Intel Processors that could work with your machine, but I'm not sure what certain things entail.<br /> <br /> All these are intel.<br /> <br /> T5450 - 1.66ghz<br /> T5550 - 1.83ghz<br /> T7100 - 1.8ghz<br /> T8100 - 2.1ghz<br /> T8300 - 2.4ghz<br /> T9300 - 2.5ghz (problems)<br /> T9500 - 2.6ghz (more problems)<br /> <br /> Although they reported problems with the last two (T9500 and T9300). It was stated that the T7500 was upgraded to and worked perfectly after a BIOS update, it was also confirmed that a T8300 works with a BIOS update as well. And the person who posted the topic eventually went with a T7300, unsure what they had to do but I'm sure they had to update.<br /> <br /> The T7300 is a 2 GHz processor, with a 4M Cache, and 800 MHz FSB. Which is faster than your current Processor overall and is a dual core, unlike the one you have now.<br /> <br /> All in all, if this processor costs more than what you can pay for the machine right now... I'd consider buying a different machine, it'd save you possible BIOS troubles and/or money. But it's your machine.<br /> <br /> Hoped this helps you out.

11-4-2011 at 5:26 PM
^^ My current processor model cost $8.99 on ebay, and I can't afford an entire new computer at this time. it is an intel celeron 360 @ 2.13 GHz.<br /> <br /> Changing the processor in my computer, physically is not an issue, as I regularly take my computer appart for cleaning the dust bunnies out. To acess the processor, its a simple matter of removing the fan and heat sinc. Many people build computers at home, so I don't think I need a professional to replace a processor, even though I don't yet know everything involved, software wise.

11-4-2011 at 7:12 AM
I've never upgraded a laptop before, but from what I understand, it's something you can't do on your own and it's expensive to have someone else doing it.<br /> <br /> If you're shopping around for parts, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.newegg.com">Newegg.com</a>. The prices are great, there's good selection, and my graphics card came fine. I didn't have to use customer service, but my computer-savvy friend told me it's great.<br /> <br /> When I was shopping for a new computer, I was told that more powerful processors are important if you plan to multitask or run large programs. Because I wanted to run Photoshop, some games, and especially Autodesk 3ds Max (not at the same time though), I was advised to go for a more powerful processor. Also consider advancing technology: how long do you want to keep running with this processor, and will you ever want to upgrade other parts that need a good processor? If you plan to keep the computer for a long time, it could be worth investing in a better processor.<br /> <br /> I don't want to give you wrong advice, so I'm going to stop there. ^^;
edit history
2011-11-04 07:13:30 by #88
2011-11-04 07:13:04 by #88

11-4-2011 at 5:07 AM
With laptops i think its easier/cheaper to just buy a new one. If we were talking PC i would have advice...

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